Effects of Pharmacological Interventions on Wound Healing
Summary
Wound healing is a complex, multi-phase process encompassing haemostasis, inflammation, proliferation and remodelling. Pharmacological interventions aim to accelerate or restore each phase by modulating inflammatory mediators, promoting cell migration, stimulating angiogenesis and optimising extracellular matrix deposition. Small-molecule drugs, biological agents and natural extracts have been investigated for their capacity to correct aberrant signalling in chronic or diabetic wounds, to alleviate excessive inflammation in acute injuries and to enhance tissue regeneration in surgical settings. Key mechanisms include inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines, upregulation of growth factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor, adjustment of local metabolic pathways and direct effects on keratinocyte and fibroblast proliferation. Local anaesthetics, originally employed for pain control, have been shown to exert unexpected pro-healing properties, while plant-derived compounds offer combined anti-inflammatory and metabolic benefits. Together, these advances carry global significance for reducing healing times, lowering healthcare burden and improving patient outcomes in diverse clinical contexts.
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Effects of Pharmacological Interventions on Wound Healing publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in effects of pharmacological interventions on wound healing across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Angiogenesis: Formation of new blood vessels from existing vasculature to supply nutrients and oxygen to healing tissues.
Re-epithelialisation: Restoration of the skin’s surface through migration and proliferation of epithelial cells.
Cytokine: Small protein secreted by immune and non-immune cells that mediates intercellular communication in inflammation and repair.
Metabolomics: Systematic study of small-molecule metabolites within cells, tissues or organisms to understand biochemical changes.
Saponins: Amphipathic glycosides derived from plants, known for bioactive properties including modulation of metabolism and inflammation.
References
- Metabolomics Revealed the Effects of Momordica charantia L. Saponins on Diabetic Hyperglycemia and Wound Healing in Mice. Foods (2024).
- Inhibition of Proinflammatory Enzymes and Attenuation of IL-6 in LPS-Challenged RAW 264.7 Macrophages Substantiates the Ethnomedicinal Use of the Herbal Drug Homalium bhamoense Cubitt & W.W.Sm. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2020).
- Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and New Blood Vessels Formation on Wound Incision Post Ropivacaine Administration in Animal Model. International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology (2020).
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